No connection, ipconfig blank

Yesterday, my internet on my desktop stopped working. I know my connection is fine, because I can connect using my laptop.

However, when I go to ipconfig, I get the following:

command line> ipconfig

Windows IP Configuration

commandline > ...

It does not display any adapters - however, in my network connections, my network adapter (3com 100mbs card) is connected.

But, if I unplug my ethernet cable, the 3com card identifies that the cable was unplugged, but when I plug it back in, for it to realize that it was reconnected, I have to disable and then enable the card.

I am not sure about the easiest way. I'd first start with a "repair" but would suspect that wouldn't work but try it anyway. Put the nic icon on taskbar and then click on it use support tab. Use repair button. (other ways too)

Then I guess I might go to help and support pages to use a few tools there. Search for system properties (view hardware information) and also network diagnostics. Both will give you pages for some tests and information for next step. Look that all over and repost on new post for more help. You might notice the problem with one of the two areas.

Check the jack and make sure it's plugged in firmly. IFthere's an activity light on the back of the NIC see if it's blinking: That's a good sign. Go to the command prompt and type

ping 127.0.0.1

If that returns 5 OKs your adapter is communicating with you. If not your NIC may have died and you'll have to reinstall the drivers or replace it.

If you recently installed any software or ran updates your network settings may have changed. Disable your firewall, make sure the XP firewall hasn't accidentally gotten turned on, and reinstall your TCP/IP protocol if you have to.

I also realized that I could determine if the problem was my network card by connecting using my USB cord directly to my modem, which I used to use instead of the ethernet card. A "Local Area Connection 2" is installed, with the USB connection working perfectly, but I still do not get anything under "ipconfig".

So something has gone terribly wrong within Windows I think. Any other suggestions, before I completely re-install windows?

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